Not always is the path easy;
There are thickets hung with gloom,
There are rough and stony places
Where never the roses bloom.
But oft, when the way is hardest,
I'm conscious of One at my side
Whose hands and feet are wounded,
And so I feel safe with my Guide.
Better than friends and kindred,
Better than love and rest,
Dearer than hope and triumph,
Is the Name I wear on my breast.
I feel my way through the shadows
With a confident heart and brave;
I shall live in the light beyond them;
I shall conquer death and the grave.
Often when tried and tempted,
Often, ashamed of sin-
Though sin, as an armed invader,
Has wrecked the peace within.
That wonderful Lovingkindness,
Patient and full and free,
Then stoops for my consolation;
And brings a blessing to me.
Therefore my lips shall praise Thee,
Therefore, let come what may,
To the height of a solemn gladness
My song shall arise today.
Not on the drooping willow
Shall I hang my harp in the land..
The Lord himself has cheered me
By the touch of His pierced hand.
Margaret Elizabeth Sangster
(edited)
